Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Schochet. Photo: Shturem.

Following the recent controversy surrounding the upcoming publication of ‘Kosher Jesus’ authored by Shmuley Boteach, anti-missionary activist J. Immanuel Schochet sharply condemned the book in a letter submitted to The Algemeiner.

The full text of the letter is below:

Greeting and blessing.

Regarding the recent controversy surrounding a book released by Shmuley Boteach entitled ‘Kosher J’ I am writing this letter to express my authoritative view in response to those who have sought my opinion on this matter.

While it is not normally my style to write letters of condemnation, having read the book, I feel it poses a tremendous risk to the Jewish community and therefore imperative to state my halachic (Jewish legal) opinion that it is forbidden for anyone to buy or read this book, or give its author a platform in any way shape or form to discuss this topic.

It is not my intent, nor   does it serve any purpose to engage in any polemic. It only enhances the sensationalism surrounding the book’s release. However, in the 40 years I have spent combating missionaries across the globe, I have never read a book, let alone one authored by a purported frum (religious) Jew, that does more to enhance the evangelical missionary message and agenda than the aforementioned book. The grossly distorted message of the book violates basic premises of original and authentic Jewish tradition, thus unavoidably must be rejected for being heretical.

It is my sincerest hope that the author recognizes the error of his ways and looks to make amends by retracting the book.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Dr. J. Immanuel Schochet

The original letter sent to The Algemeiner by Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Schochet.